Miracle of the Month!
Name: Lincoln
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 10mos.
Lincoln presented to us with lameness in the left front leg. He had been intermittently lame for about 3-4 weeks. The lameness was slowly progressing. Upon physical exam the left front shoulder was painful on extension. No other abnormalities. Radiographs of the left front shoulder showed a lesion in the joint of the shoulder which was causing the pain. Advised cage rest, leash walking only, and anti-inflammatory drugs for 3-4 weeks. Advised to repeat radiographs at that time to check the status of the inflammation.
3 weeks later Lincoln is still lame esp. after light exercise. Repeated the radiographs, which showed no healing, and actually appeared slightly worse. Suggested surgery to remove the inflammed cartilage. Surgery was performed. During the procedure it was discovered that there was actually a flap of cartilage covering the humerus that was chipped and causing the pain/inflammation. The cartilage flap was removed and 24hrs. post-op Lincoln was walking better on his leg than he had in months! Lincoln continued to improve every day and is now totally pain free! Lincoln's lameness condition was caused by a lesion called Osteochondrosis or "OCD".
OCD is a disease of the cartilage of the shoulder, elbow, hock or knee joints of young, fast-growing dogs. Lameness first appears at 6-9 mos. of age and may persist for several weeks or months. Lameness may also come and go over a period of several weeks. Males appear to be more commonly affected.
While the exact cause is unknown, the condition begins as abnormal development of the deep layers of joint cartilage. As the condition progresses, a small piece of cartilage may become detached from the underlying bone.
Diagnosis is by carefully evaluating the medical history and performing a thorough physical and x-ray examinations.
While many animals respond to rest and medication, some require surgery to remove diseased fragments of cartilage. Complete recovery is expected in most cases.